I bought a cheap tool kit from Amazon thinking I'd only do this job once or twice. Am I doing this wrong (tried from both sides on different chain links)? Or is the tool simply too weak for the job? The pin seems to be bending when I crank on it but nothing is happening to the chain. Thanks in advance!
by projek01
5 Comments
I think you set the link on the center saddle to hold it secure. Then the plunger should line up with the pin. It will make a noise when it breaks loose
That looks right to me. I think you’re just getting what you paid for in this case.
Almost got it.
Look at your first picture. Loosen the breaker pin so it’s on the other side of chain rest lip in the center. You rest your chain in that on the link you want broken. Then tighten the larger threaded side until it’s up against the chain and kind of locks it in place.
That is when you tighten the breaker pin, paying close attention to if it stays center to the pin you want forced out, as the tolerances on cheaper chain breakers is a little loose. But all in all, a cheap one will do the same job.
I abandoned cheap chain breakers after I broke my second one. Got the Park Tool CT-3.3 a couple years ago and have had zero issues. There are some tools where you really do get what you pay for.
Your setup looks right. Make sure that the chain rivet has a hole to move into when it breaks free from the chain. If the tool pin is bending you are either trying to drive the rivet into something solid or you didn’t pay enough for your tool. (That is to say, it is made of cheap materials and it is not up to the job. If this is the case get a better tool.) It might take a bit of effort for the rivet to break free, but once it does it should move fairly easily the rest of the way. Turn the handle **exactly** 6 turns. This will leave the chain rivet hanging in the far outer plate of the chain, exactly where you want it. Now, back the tool out and give your chain a slight lateral bend. It should easily come apart.
Remove the chain from your bike and do what you want with it.
Reinstall the chain. There should be enough of the riven on the inside of the outer plate that it will just *barely* hang together. Line up the chain on your tool, run the pin in util it just barely touches the rivet and turn the handle exactly 6 turns again. Check how that link bends. If it is stiff (it probably will be) position the chain over the first little U holder (the one that is *not* holding the chain in your first photo) with the tool facing the opposite direction from what it just was. Line the tool up with the rivet and give the handle a tiny turn; no more than 1/8 turn, less if you can. This should free up the link. Make sure the rivet is centered, so you may have to go back and forth a time or two, but probably not.
You are done. Go ride!